What you can do to help prevent “baby bottle” tooth decay in your child
Many parents don’t pay much attention to their child’s baby teeth, thinking they are eventually going to be replaced by adult teeth as the child gets older. But the fact is that baby teeth play an important function in your child’s oral development, helping them to chew food correctly, maintaining space for adult teeth, and facilitating speech development.
At the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA, our professional team is committed to pediatric oral health, and wants to play an active role helping your child maintain a healthy set of teeth at every developmental stage.
The term “baby bottle tooth decay” refers to early childhood cavities that occur in infants and toddlers as a result of acid-producing bacteria in the oral cavity, or from an excess of sweetened liquids such as breast milk, baby formula, juices etc. It is often associated with a baby sleeping with a bottle of milk or juice in their mouths. The condition may affect any or all of the teeth, but is most prevalent in the front teeth on the upper jaw. With baby bottle tooth decay, extensive dental work is required to restore the toddler’s oral health and prevent further damage as well as potential infections.
The good news is that baby bottle tooth decay is completely preventable. By making certain that your little ones are not sleeping with a bottle of milk or juice in their mouths as well as scheduling regular, dental checkups with a pediatric dentist at an early age. You can also play a part in reducing the risk the condition developing by cleaning your child’s teeth and gums after every feeding, rinsing pacifiers and toys in clean water, using an age-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste as teeth emerge, and limit your child’s consumption of sugary drinks.
Committed to your child’s oral health:
At the office of Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA, we offer the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care for your child’s dental needs. For more information about the services we provide, give us a call today.
By Perry L. Jeffries, DDS and Associates, PA
July 23, 2021
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